Art is anything that is beautiful or has some kind of aesthetic appeal to it. It encompasses many different forms of expression including, but not limited to: painting, sculpture, architecture, photography, decorative arts and design. It is also an integral part of any culture and can serve as a medium for cultural preservation and development.
There are various theories on what constitutes art, but they all tend to revolve around the idea of creating a work that expresses something beyond the mere fact of existence. It is something that can be appreciated or not by an individual, but that is subjective and based on the individuals perception of beauty. It is also a concept that is constantly evolving as new forms of artistic expression are created and old ones are disregarded.
It has always been an important part of human society, with the earliest civilizations making use of it in their adornments and ceremonial functions. Images of Egyptian mummies, Greek statues and Byzantine mosaics may come to mind when thinking of ancient art. As humans developed, however, they became more sophisticated and began to explore other aspects of their world through their art.
For centuries, the primary meaning of art was represented by the idea of mimesis or copying, with the value of a piece of art being measured by how faithfully it replicated its subject. The Greek philosopher Plato, for example, developed this idea and it permeated the world of art until around the eighteenth century when it was replaced by the more modern notion of an internal appreciation for balance and harmony (beauty) as a basic aspect of humanity outside of any utilitarian function.
With the rise of Romanticism and a move toward individualism, people were encouraged to create art that expressed their own personalities. This led to the development of styles such as Impressionism, Cubism and Futurism. It was during this era that the definition of art began to change yet again, with many artists challenging the idea of what it really meant to be an artist and what a piece of art could truly represent.
Nowadays, it seems that the definition of art has been reduced to the ability to generate a profit or the popularity of a particular piece of work. This is a shame, as it is a very complex and beautiful form of communication that can speak to us on multiple levels and in many ways. Understanding the nature of art requires time, patience and an open mind. It is a journey that is well worth embarking upon.